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The police has offered a list of advice on how to avoid ''parting with'' personal belongings during the holidays.

When you're leaving for a holiday:

• Make sure your doors and windows are tightly shut.
• Inform of your absence only close relatives, friends or neighbours you can trust, and ask them to keep an eye on your place. If you have serious reasons for doing so, you can also advise the local police department.
• Leave no notes as to when you're coming back or how long you will be absent.
• Don't leave any kind of notes on the door or your mailbox full: both clearly show you have been absent for a while. Abstain from leaving ladders, pieces of furniture or any other bulky objects in your garden as they might help eventual burglars carry out their plan.
• Think up a few signs to show that your flat or house is not sealed up for a long absence.
• Install an automatic stairway lighting switch.
• Turn on the alarm, if you have one.
• Don't leave behind large sums of money or valuables.
• If your neighbours tell you they have noticed something suspicious around your place, don't hesitate to phone the police.
• In the case of burglary, call your local police department as soon as possible.

When you travel:

• Wherever you are, don't leave bags, wallets, cash, credit cards, sunglasses, car or motorbike keys on show.
• Do not leave your belongings unattended, use the baggage room instead.
• Don't carry a lot of cash on you while using public transport.
• Watch out while using a cashpoint.
• If you travel by your own vehicle, never leave any valuables inside. If you can't take them with you, at least stow them in a secret place.
• Never leave your car keys inside the car, even if you are away for just a minute.
• Always park your vehicle in well-lit streets, avoid deserted places. Don't forget to leave your alarm on.

When having fun

• If you are in a cafe, bar, restaurant or nightclub, don't place your bag, mobile or keys on the table. Don't use the closest chair or a freestanding clothes rack to park your bags, clothes or any other belongings.